Bill > SB670

This bill aims to reduce single-use plastic waste in Hawaii's lodging industry by prohibiting hotels and other accommodations from providing personal care products (specifically shampoo, hair conditioner, and bath soap) in small plastic containers within guest rooms, room spaces, and public bathrooms. The prohibition will be implemented in two phases: beginning January 1, 2027, for lodging establishments with over fifty rooms, and January 1, 2029, for those with fifty or fewer rooms. Lodging establishments can still use bulk dispensers or provide personal care products in non-plastic packaging upon request, but only in areas outside of guest rooms and public bathrooms. The bill defines "small plastic containers" as plastic bottles or containers with a capacity of six ounces or less that are not intended for reuse. Establishments that violate this prohibition will face civil penalties, starting at $500 for the first violation and increasing to $2,000 for subsequent violations. The legislation is motivated by environmental concerns, including the global plastic pollution problem and the significant environmental impact of single-use plastics, and aligns with Hawaii's goals of promoting sustainable tourism. The bill does not apply to certain facilities like hospitals, nursing homes, prisons, and homeless shelters, and it allows individual counties to implement even stricter regulations.

Business and Industry

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=670&year=2025